Page 61 - The Black Deer and Charlie Rabbit

The Black Deer and Charlie Rabbit 59
could have been held in captivity and escaped. I’ve brought a night vision camera with me because I’d like convincing evidence before I contact the RSPB,’ said Pete.
‘Where did you get all this camouflage netting from?’ asked Andrew Weston when they arrived at the makeshift hide in Top Field.
‘It was given to the centre by a disbanded army training group. There’s far too much, but I’ll collect what I haven’t used another day. Here, take this torch,’ said Pete as they crawled inside.
‘I heard that these birds can steal fish from otters; something we appear to have in abundance,’ remarked Andrew, who was trying to stay awake. To him, it was the middle of the night although his watch said four fifteen. He must have dozed for a few moments because he jumped when Pete nudged him.
‘We might be in luck. Look at those trees,’ he whispered handing Andrew a pair of binoculars.
‘Crikey! that’s one big bird. Is it real or is it a mirage?’ Andrew continued to watch as Pete fiddled with his camera.
‘Is it still there?’ he asked.
‘Yes, it’s going down now towards the river and the old wooden bridge. I bet it’s seen the otters. What’s wrong, Pete?’
‘The camera’s jammed. I should have tested it last night. Where is it now?’
Andrew lowered the binoculars and squinted back to see the bird floating in mid-air. It swooped and disappeared behind Barns Wood.